If your dryer’s lint screen door has become worn or damaged, don’t worry—replacing it is a straightforward task you can complete in under an hour.
Why Replace the Lint Screen Door?
The lint screen door protects the lint screen area and the inner workings of the dryer drum. Over time, it may require replacement due to:
- Wear and Tear: Regular use can cause gradual deterioration.
- Improper Cleaning: Aggressive cleaning techniques can lead to damage.
- Warping or Bending: Excessive flexing can deform the door, impacting its fit.
Signs it’s time to replace the lint screen door:
- Difficulty opening or closing the door.
- Warping or misshaping that prevents proper fit.
Benefits of Replacing the Lint Screen Door
Replacing the lint screen door brings several advantages to your dryer’s performance and longevity:
- Prevents lint build-up in the dryer drum area.
- Reduces the risk of overheating caused by restricted airflow.
- Improves dryer efficiency, potentially lowering energy costs.
- Maintains a clean and organized lint screen area.
- Enhances the overall durability of your dryer.
- Promotes safe dryer operation by reducing fire risks associated with lint accumulation.
Tools and Materials Needed
To complete this repair, gather the following:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Pliers
- Utility knife
- Wooden block (to support the dryer during repair)
- Replacement lint screen door (Part No. W11156832)
Safety First
Before you begin, prioritize safety by following these precautions:
- Unplug the Dryer: Disconnect it from the power source or switch off the circuit breaker.
- Cool Down: Allow the dryer to cool if it’s recently been used.
- Organize Your Workspace: Keep the area well-lit and free of clutter. Keep pets and children away.
- Handle with Care: Avoid excessive force when removing or installing parts to prevent damage or injury.
- Check the Manual: Review your dryer’s user manual for specific instructions related to this replacement.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Dryer Lint Screen Door
Follow these steps to safely and effectively replace the lint screen door in your dryer.
Prepare the Dryer
- Turn off the dryer and unplug it.
- Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the back of the dryer top.
- Pull the top back, slide it forward slightly, and lift it off.
Remove the Control Panel
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws securing the control panel.
- Disconnect the two wiring harness plugs by pressing the release tabs and pulling them out.
- Lift the control panel’s front edge, slide it forward, and remove it.
Remove the Lint Screen and Screws
- Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws along the bottom edge of the door opening.
Tilt the Dryer
- Tilt the dryer back using a wooden block under its front feet.
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove all but the middle two screws along the bottom panel. Loosen the middle two screws.
Remove the Front Panel
- Remove the three screws securing the top of the front panel with a 1/4-inch nut driver.
- Disconnect the wiring harness plug by lifting the release tab and pulling it apart.
- Lift the front panel with both hands, feed the wiring plug through the opening, and remove the panel.
Access the Mounting Bracket and Top Brace
- Remove the two screws securing the control board mounting bracket.
- Turn the bracket sideways and use pliers to detach the retainer clip, then remove the bracket.
- Lift and maneuver the top brace piece out, then set it aside.
Remove the Bulkhead and Lint Screen Housing
- Remove the four screws securing the front bulkhead.
- Disconnect the moisture sensor plug by squeezing its side tabs and pulling it free.
- Remove the additional screw and retainer bar at the bottom of the bulkhead.
- Lift and pull the bulkhead forward to detach it.
- Vacuum out any lint in the bulkhead cavity.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver and a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove screws securing the lint screen housing assembly.
- Remove the lint screen housing assembly completely.
Replace the Lint Screen Door
- Use a utility knife to cut through the seal and separate the lint screen housing.
- Remove the old lint screen door.
- Attach the torsion spring to the new door, wind it once, and fit the door hinge into place.
- Gently bend the door to insert the opposite hinge.
Reassemble the Housing
- Reconnect the two halves of the lint screen housing by pressing the tabs into place.
- Reinstall the housing assembly into the front bulkhead, aligning the screw holes, and secure it with screws.
Reinstall the Bulkhead
- Slide the front bulkhead back into place, hanging it on the side hooks.
- Secure the bulkhead with a screw at the bottom and reconnect the moisture sensor plug.
Reinstall the Braces and Front Panel
- Reattach the control board mounting bracket and secure it with screws.
- Reinstall the top brace, hooking it over the retaining clips, and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the front panel by hanging it on the support screws.
- Feed the door switch wiring through the opening.
- Lift the panel into place and secure it with the top three and bottom screws.
- Reconnect the wiring harness plug.
Reinstall the Control Panel and Dryer Top
- Slide the control panel back into place.
- Reconnect the wiring harness plugs and secure the control panel with corner screws.
- Position the dryer top about an inch back from the control panel, slide it forward, and secure it with two screws at the back.
Test the Dryer
- Plug the dryer back in and run a short test cycle to confirm proper functionality.
Tips for a Smooth Replacement Process
Follow these tips to make the replacement process as easy and efficient as possible:
- Clear your workspace before starting to avoid misplacing tools or parts.
- Lay out all tools and replacement parts for easy access during the repair.
- Take photos of the lint screen area before removing the old door to reference during installation.
- Use a magnetic tray or container to hold small screws and fasteners securely.
- Label any screws or parts removed if they vary in size or type.
- Work slowly and methodically to avoid skipping steps or making errors.
- Check the replacement part number (W11156832) against the original to confirm compatibility.
- Use light, steady pressure when detaching old components to avoid bending or breaking surrounding parts.
- Keep a flashlight or portable light nearby to illuminate hard-to-see areas.
- Wear gloves if the dryer has sharp edges or if you want to protect your hands.
- Double-check that all screws and fasteners are tightened adequately but not over-tightened.
- Inspect other components near the lint screen door for signs of wear or damage.
- Test the lint filter with the new door installed to verify smooth operation.
- Clean out the lint filter and surrounding area before completing the repair.
- Dispose of the old lint screen door and any debris responsibly.
You’re ready to take on that Whirlpool dryer lint screen door replacement! With a little time and the right tools, you’ll have your dryer working better than ever. Fixing this small issue improves how your dryer works and helps keep your home safer by cutting down on lint-related fire risks.
Stick to the steps carefully. Skipping one could mean redoing your work—or ending up with a dryer that still has problems.